Ireland’s longest- running agricultural show opens for the first time today on its new permanent site.

Outspoken singer Sinéad O’Connor has joined forces with Mad Pride Ireland for a fundraising gig in Cork.

WHETHER you agreed with him or not, it is undeniable that John McCarthy, founder of the mental health lobby group Mad Pride, has put the state to shame by heightening public awareness of the issue of mental illness which, more often than not, has been swept under the carpet, and been the subject of a discredited form of enforced treatment in this country.

THE spirit of Christmas is coming to Cork tomorrow when children and families are invited to an event to make decorations, cards or gifts — and it’s all free of charge.

MADNESS was embraced and celebrated yesterday during the country’s first Mad Pride Day.